Joe Swail ended world champion Stephen Hendry's hopes of a third successive European Open title last night when he won 5-3 in Malta. Hendry looked in top form as breaks of 110 - his 35th century of the season - 67 and 42 helped him to win three of the first four frames, but Swail took charge of the match after the interval.

Swail, who had won the opening frame, regained his confidence with a break of 84 in the fifth. He followed up with a 47 and 45 to lead 4-3 before wrapping up the eighth with a clearance to the pink of 24. The Irishman tackles Anthony Davies today for a place in the semi finals.